A heartbreaking message has been left by the two young sons of a “fantastic” police officer who died answering a 999.

PC Andrew Bramma, 32, lost his life when his patrol van ploughed into a tree after veering off a 60mph stretch of road in the dark on Saturday night.

Today a bouquet of red roses had been left at the base of the tree from his devastated family who visited the scene of the horror accident at the weekend.

One read: “To Daddy, the best daddy a boy could wish for. With lots of big hugs and kisses your boys, Jack and Sam. xx.”

His wife Kathryn, wrote: “Andrew, you will be in my thoughts and in my heart always. Your loving wife.”

And his parents and brother wrote: “You are a wonderful son and brother. We are so proud of you and love you with all our hearts. God bless, mum and dad, Chris and Amy.”

Chris Bramma from Leeds in West Yorks., later wrote on his Facebook page: “The Bramma family would like to thank everyone for the love and support that has been shown.

“Although are hearts are broken the love and support shown in your messages is a great help. Thank you all.”

Tributes: Flowers left at the scene (Image: PA)

His brother died near the village of West Tanfield, North Yorkshire, answering an emergency call to another crash around 7pm.

Colleagues described him as a “fantastic cop” in an online book of condolence.

He only joined the North Yorkshire force four months ago, after serving with Greater Manchester Police for four years as a beat bobby.

His former colleagues at Greater Manchester Police paid tribute to the “proud and true” Yorkshireman.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said: “Officers and staff here at Greater Manchester are distraught to hear the news of Andrew’s tragic death on Saturday night.

“Andrew was a well-liked and respected officer during his time at GMP and we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues at both Forces, who are now understandably struggling to come to terms with his loss.”

Remembered: Tributes to PC Bramma at the National Police Memorial (Image: PA)

His friends and former colleagues from B relief at GMP’s Rochdale division said: “Last night we received the worst news any police officer could wish to receive - that a close colleague and friend, PC Bramma, had been taken from us in tragic circumstances, whilst doing the job he loved of helping people in their hour of need.

“Andrew was a great police officer and a loving family man.

"For anyone who knew him, Andrew was meticulous in everything he did, nothing would ever beat him and he would leave no stone unturned to find his answers. Every job he dealt with was always done to A* standard.

“Andrew leaves us all with many lasting memories - from being such a great friend, to the large amount of hand gel and protective blue gloves he used to go through at work that we teased him about daily, to being a very proud and true Yorkshire man.

“We were all proud to know and work alongside Andrew and hope to lead by the high example he set for us to follow.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, two lovely sons and other family and friends at this time.”